Russian in Tajikistan

People Name:	Russian
Country:	Tajikistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	29,000
World Population:	135,992,300
Primary Language:	Russian
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	61.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.50 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Slav, Eastern
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Russia is the largest nation in the world by land area. Ethnic Russians make up about four-fifths of the population. The Russian Empire (1721-1917) under the Romanov Dynasty played a major role in world history. The Russian Socialist Republic was the dominant power in the Soviet Union (1922-1991). What is now Tajikistan was one of the Soviet Socialist Republics, dominated by ethnic Russians.

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February of 2022. At the time of this writing, it is unknown how the military conflict will end. The invasion has brought economic sanctions against Russia from many countries in Europe, the USA, the British Commonwealth and Japan. Since 1991, many Russians have left Russia looking for better economic opportunities and political freedoms.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Russians tend to be reserved in public but more friendly in private. Births among Russians are low, and the abortion rate is high. The Russian population will decrease over the next few decades according to current statistics. Many couples have no children or one child. This is one of the key reasons why the number of ethnic Russians is diminishing in Tajikistan.

The Russians love tea and vodka. Alcoholism is a huge problem for Russians just about everywhere they live.

In a twist of irony, Tajiks have traditionally taken the role of migrant workers in Russia. Now ethnic Russians are migrant workers in Tajikistan. Russian men migrate to Tajikistan to avoid the draft, and they are willing to take on low paying jobs.

Ethnic Russians in Tajikistan must deal with a very different culture, language and religion. The Tajiks are Muslim, and Russians are Christians.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Over half of the Russian people claim to be Christian. Over one third of Russians say they have no religion or do not believe in a supernatural being.

Russian orthodox believers have much in common with evangelicals. Both believe in the Trinity, the deity and resurrection of Christ and the inspiration of the Bible. Unlike Roman Catholic priests, Russian Orthodox priests can marry and have a family. The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church is considered the first among equals among the bishops and does not have the power or prestige of the Roman Catholic Pope. Icons or special painted pictures of Jesus, Mary and the saints play a prominent part in worship in Russian Orthodox Churches.

What Are Their Needs?

Christianity is much more than a national religious identity or system of morality. Russians need to experience a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Russians will need to see real faith demonstrated in the lives of Jesus’ followers no matter where they live.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Russians will realize that they need to do more than go to the church and will give their lives completely to Jesus Christ.

Pray for a spiritual revival in the lives of Russian Orthodox priests and bishops leading them to teach Christ, not traditions.

Pray that Russians will read and understand their Bibles.

Pray for disciple making movements to begin among Russians all over the world.